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Isolation of Papillary and Reticular Fibroblasts from Human Skin by Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
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Fibroblast Growth Factors: Roles and Emerging Therapeutic Applications

Gaëtane Ternier1, Kaynat Shahzad1, Oshadi Edirisinghe2

  • 1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Fulbright College of Art and Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR72701, USA.

Current Drug Targets
|March 7, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are crucial for cellular functions like growth and regeneration. This review clarifies their mechanisms and therapeutic potential, despite challenges with their instability.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are key regulators of cellular homeostasis, regeneration, and growth, with distinct expression patterns during development and adulthood.
  • Recent interest highlights FGFs' potential in clinical applications, particularly concerning glucose/lipid metabolism, cancer, and regenerative medicine.

Approach:

  • This work provides a comprehensive review of the known mechanisms of action for various fibroblast growth factors.
  • The review synthesizes current understanding of FGF signaling pathways and their diverse cellular roles.

Key Points:

  • FGFs play critical roles in fundamental cellular processes, including development, tissue repair, and metabolic regulation.
  • Despite their therapeutic promise, the precise functions and signaling pathways of all FGF family members are not fully elucidated.
  • The inherent structural instability of FGF molecules presents a significant hurdle for their clinical translation.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding FGF mechanisms is essential for unlocking their full therapeutic potential in treating various diseases.
  • Further research into FGF stability and targeted delivery is needed to overcome clinical application challenges.
Keywords:
Fibroblastacidic FGF.growth factorshomeostasislipid homeostasisregenerationtherapeutic applications

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